U.S. patent application number 14/575114 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-18 for temperature monitor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Multi Packaging Solutions UK Limited. Invention is credited to Andrew Degnan, Carol Hammond.
Application Number | 20150168223 14/575114 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50071054 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150168223 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hammond; Carol ; et
al. |
June 18, 2015 |
TEMPERATURE MONITOR
Abstract
A temperature monitor, a temperature monitoring system, and
method are provided. The temperature monitor includes an electronic
paper display and a passive temperature sensor. The electronic
paper display has first and second display states. The passive
temperature sensor is coupled to the display such that when the
temperature of the sensor attains a predetermined value, the
display changes from the first display state to the second display
state.
Inventors: |
Hammond; Carol; (Nottingham,
GB) ; Degnan; Andrew; (Marlborough, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Multi Packaging Solutions UK Limited |
Nottingham |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
50071054 |
Appl. No.: |
14/575114 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
702/130 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01K 1/028 20130101;
G01K 1/024 20130101; G01K 3/005 20130101; G09G 2380/14 20130101;
G09G 3/344 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01K 1/02 20060101
G01K001/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 18, 2013 |
GB |
1322460.5 |
Claims
1. A temperature monitor comprising: an electronic paper display
having first and second display states; and a passive temperature
sensor electrically coupled to the display such that when the
temperature of the sensor attains a predetermined value, the
display changes from the first display state to the second display
state.
2. The temperature monitor of claim 1, wherein the predetermined
value is attained via a decrease in temperature or an increase in
temperature.
3. The temperature monitor of claim 1, wherein the display is
bistable.
4. The temperature monitor of claim 1, wherein the temperature
monitor is passive.
5. The temperature monitor of claim 1, wherein the temperature
sensor comprises a device that indirectly produces a potential
difference when the predetermined value is attained.
6. The temperature monitor of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises
a piezoelectric element and the device is arranged to impart a
force on the piezoelectric element when the predetermined value is
attained.
7. The temperature monitor of claim 6, wherein the device is a
temperature sensitive mechanical device.
8. The temperature monitor of claim 7, wherein the temperature
sensitive mechanical device is a bimetallic switch or a bimetallic
strip.
9. The temperature monitor of claim 1, wherein the temperature
sensor comprises a device that directly produces a potential
difference when the predetermined value is attained.
10. The temperature monitor of claim 9, wherein the temperature
sensor or device is a thermocouple.
11. The temperature monitor of claim 1, wherein the electronic
paper display remains in the second display state regardless of any
subsequent changes in the temperature of the sensor.
12. A temperature monitoring system, comprising: a first
temperature monitor that includes a first electronic paper display
having first and second display states, and a first passive
temperature sensor electrically coupled to the first electronic
paper display such that when the temperature of the first passive
temperature sensor attains a first predetermined value, the first
electronic paper display changes from the first display state to
the second display state; and a second temperature monitor that
includes a second electronic paper display having first and second
display states, and a second passive temperature sensor
electrically coupled to the second electronic paper display such
that when the temperature of the second passive temperature sensor
attains a second predetermined value, the second electronic paper
display changes from the first display state to the second display
state; wherein the first predetermined value is lower than the
second predetermined value.
13. The temperature monitoring system of claim 12, wherein the
second display state of the first temperature monitor is different
than the second display state of the second temperature
monitor.
14. The temperature monitoring system of claim 12, wherein the
first predetermined value of the first temperature monitor is in a
range from about -1.degree. C. to 1.degree. C.
15. The temperature monitoring system of claim 12, wherein the
second predetermined value of the second temperature monitor is in
a range from about 5.degree. C. to 10.degree. C.
16. The temperature monitoring system of claim 12, wherein the
system is configured to be secured to a product or a set of
products.
17. The temperature monitoring system of claim 16, wherein the
configuration includes an adhesive.
18. A package comprising: a structure sized to contain one or more
temperature sensitive devices, which structure includes at least
one surface; and a temperature monitor that includes an electronic
paper display having first and second display states, and a passive
temperature sensor electrically coupled to the display such that
when the temperature of the sensor attains a predetermined value,
the display changes from the first display state to the second
display state; wherein the temperature monitor is secured to the
surface of the structure.
19. A method of determining whether a product has been exposed to a
temperature outside of a desired range, the method comprising:
securing at least one temperature monitor that includes an
electronic paper display having first and second display states,
and a passive temperature sensor electrically coupled to the
display such that when the temperature of the sensor attains a
predetermined value, the display changes from the first display
state to the second display state to a product or product
packaging; and visually inspecting the display state of the
electronic paper display(s).
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to Great Britain
Application No. 1322460.5 filed Dec. 18, 2013.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to a temperature monitor
comprising an electronic paper display.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Electronic paper displays are well known. Also known are
e-paper displays and electronic ink displays, electronic paper
displays comprise an electronically active ink. Applying a voltage
to the ink causes the appearance of the display to be changed.
[0006] For example, in an electrophoretic display, colored charged
particles (having sizes on the micron scale) are dispersed in a
liquid, such as oil. The particles may be white and the liquid may
be dark. The liquid is sandwiched between two electrodes. Applying
a voltage across the two electrodes creates an electrical field
that causes the charged particles to move towards or away from the
upper, transparent electrode. The areas of the upper electrode
corresponding to where the white particles are positioned will
appear lighter than those areas where only the dark oil is visible.
In bistable displays, the particles will remain in their positions
even after the voltage has been removed. This allows such
electronic paper displays to consume very little electricity.
[0007] In some electrophoretic displays, light and dark oppositely
charged particles are encapsulated in a plurality of microcapsules,
which are dispersed in a clear liquid. Applying a voltage across
the upper electrode causes the positively charged particles to
move, within the microcapsule, towards the negatively charged
electrode and the negatively charged particles, within the
microcapsule, towards the positively charged electrode. Some
displays use three (or more) different color particles, to provide
a color display.
[0008] Other examples of electronic paper displays use
electrowetting or electrofluidic systems.
[0009] The Applicant has recognized that electronic paper displays
could be used to provide a permanently changed alert display
requiring no conventional power source to activate at the point of
a critical temperature being reached, for example for use in drug
packaging to ensure product quality where it is vital to know the
temperature that has been experienced by a product. For example, an
electronic paper display could be incorporated into a sticker or
label to be attached to either a package containing heat-sensitive
products, such as pharmaceutical products (e.g. live vaccines),
that need to be kept within a very limited range of temperatures
during transportation and storage prior to use, or even to the
products themselves. The electronic paper display could provide a
permanent record of whether the product has been subjected to any
temperatures outside of this range.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a
temperature monitor comprising an electronic paper display having
first and second display states and a passive temperature sensor
electronically coupled to the display such that when the
temperature of the sensor attains a predetermined value, the
display changes from the first display state to the second display
state.
[0011] The term "temperature monitor" should be understood to mean
any device that can determine and indicate whether a predetermined
temperature has been experienced.
[0012] The term "electronic paper display" should be understood to
refer to any display that uses electronic ink The display may use
any type of electronic ink technology such as electrophoresis,
electrowetting or electrofluidics.
[0013] The term "display state" refers to any visual representation
shown by the display. The first and second display states may be
different images, for example different words, numbers and/or
symbols, or one of the display states may be blank (i.e. a solid
light color) while the other display state is partially or wholly
colored (i.e. dark). The electronic paper display may comprise two
different colors (i.e. may be monochrome) or more than two
different colors.
[0014] The term "passive temperature sensor" should be understood
to refer any sensor that is capable of providing a response to a
temperature without requiring any additional source of energy (such
as a power source). As such, the temperature sensor does not need
to be connected to a battery or any other source of electrical
energy.
[0015] The predetermined value can be any temperature set-point and
will be determined on the particular use of the temperature
monitor. For example, if the temperature of live vaccines is being
monitored, the predetermined value may be a lower limit, such as
zero degrees centigrade (0.degree. C.) or slightly above 0.degree.
C., such as 1.degree. C. Alternatively, the predetermined value may
be an upper limit, such as 5.degree. C.
[0016] The temperature monitor of the present invention provides a
convenient way of monitoring whether a product has been exposed to
an undesirable temperature, for example during shipping when the
product may not be easily accessible. Preferably, the temperature
monitor is cheap to manufacture and easy to install on a product at
item level, rather than pallet or case level, to be monitored. For
example, each box of products in a pallet (or container) and each
item in a case on the pallet can have an individual monitor
associated therewith, instead of only using a single monitor per
pallet. This provides a more accurate indication of the
temperatures experienced by each product positioned anywhere in the
pallet.
[0017] As discussed above, the predetermined value may be attained
via a decrease in temperature or an increase in temperature. For
example, products may be shipped in a refrigerated container, which
is intended to hold the products at a temperature of about
5.degree. C. The predetermined value may be set at 0.degree. C. or
alternatively at 8.degree. C., as discussed above.
[0018] Preferably, the display is bistable, meaning that the
display has two display states that are each stable for a
considerable length of time (e.g. a few days, weeks months or even
years) after the voltage has been removed.
[0019] Preferably, the temperature monitor is passive. This means
that the temperature monitor (as well as the sensor) carries no
source of energy, such as a battery. Instead, the passive
temperature monitor uses an external temperature as a source of
energy. This provides a smaller, lighter and cheaper temperature
monitor.
[0020] The temperature sensor may comprise a device that acts as a
transducer, i.e. the device is configured to convert energy from
one form into another.
[0021] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor may comprise a
device that directly produces a potential difference when the
predetermined value is attained. In other words, when the
predetermined temperature is attained, the device may itself
produce a potential difference that activates the electronic paper
display to change between first and second display states. For
example, the temperature sensor or device may be a
thermocouple.
[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the temperature sensor may
comprise a device that indirectly produces a potential difference
when the predetermined value is attained. In other words, when the
predetermined temperature is attained, the device may provide a
response, which in turn, causes an action that produces a potential
difference that activates the electronic paper display to change
between first and second display states. For example, the sensor
may comprise a piezoelectric element and the device may be arranged
to impart a mechanical force on the piezoelectric element when the
predetermined value is attained. For example, the device may be a
temperature sensitive mechanical device, such as a bimetallic
element. When the predetermined temperature is attained, the
bimetallic element may operate such that it imparts a force on the
piezoelectric element, which in turn will produce a potential
difference that activates the electronic paper display to change to
the second display state. The bimetallic element may be a creep
type actuator, producing cumulative movement over a range of
temperatures, or a snap acting actuator which is configured to
produce a "snap" movement at a predetermined temperature. The
latter type of actuator is commonly used in thermally sensitive
switches.
[0023] In use, the bimetallic element may be positioned inside a
package (containing products to be monitored), with the display
being positioned on outer surface of the package. The package (such
a cardboard box or carton) may comprise a separate internal
compartment (i.e. separate from the product-receiving
compartment(s)) for receiving the bimetallic element so that the
bimetallic element has room to move freely as the temperature
changes. Conductive tracks or wires may run between the display and
the bimetallic element, for example, via a gap in the package outer
surface, such as a gap between the flaps of the package. The
display and bimetallic element may be provided on separate labels
or stickers.
[0024] Preferably, the temperature monitor is arranged such that
the electronic paper display remains in the second display state
regardless of any subsequent changes in the temperature of the
sensor. The display may have features such that any transition from
the first display state to the second display state is
irreversible, at least for the normal operating life on the
temperature monitor. This may be in the region of days, weeks,
months or years. In other words, if the temperature reverts to the
normal range (i.e. drops back below or rises back above the
predetermined value), the display will remain in the second display
state (rather than reverting to the first display state). This
provides a reliable, long term record of whether the predetermined
value has been attained.
[0025] The electronic paper display may be relatively small. For
example, the display may be square or rectangular and have a
largest dimension (i.e. length) of 6 cm or less, 5 cm or less, 4 cm
or less or 3 cm or less.
[0026] The present invention extends to a temperature monitoring
system comprising two temperature monitors. The two temperature
monitors may each comprise any of the features described above.
Preferably, the two monitors operate in the same manner, except
that the first temperature monitor has a lower predetermined value
than the second temperature monitor. The temperature monitoring
system can provide an indication of whether two different
predetermined values have been attained, i.e. whether the
temperatures have remained within a desired range.
[0027] Preferably, the second display state of the first
temperature monitor is different to that of the second temperature
monitor, so that it is clearly visible which temperature monitor
refers to which predetermined value (i.e. which end value of the
desired range). For example, the second display state of the first
temperature monitor may show "TOO COLD" and/or "0.degree. C." and
the second display state of the second temperature monitor may show
"TOO HOT" and/or "8.degree. C."
[0028] Alternatively, the second display states of the first and
second temperature monitors may be the same and the temperature
monitors may comprise some other indicators of the first and second
predetermined values, such as markings adjacent the two electronic
paper displays, or a timer device if the cost of goods is
sufficient to justify the additional cost
[0029] The predetermined values of the first and second temperature
monitors will depend on the products being stored and/or
transported. In the above-mentioned situation, where live vaccines
are being transported, the predetermined value of the first
temperature monitor may be between -1 and 2.degree. C., between 0
and 1.degree. C. or 0.degree. C. and the predetermined value of the
second temperature monitor may be 5.degree. C., between 5 and
10.degree. C., between 7 and 9.degree. C. or 8.degree. C.
[0030] The temperature monitor or monitoring system may further
comprise means for securing the temperature monitor or monitoring
system to a product or to a set of products (such as a box of
products); e.g., a temperature monitor or monitoring system may be
configured to be secured to a product or a set of products.
[0031] In one embodiment, the securing means may comprise adhesive.
For example, the temperature monitor or monitoring system may be
incorporated into an adhesive sticker or label for attachment to a
product or set of products. Where there are two or more temperature
monitors, the monitors may be incorporated into a single (common)
label or sticker or individually onto two or more labels or
stickers. The present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment,
however; e.g., the temperature monitor or monitoring system may be
attached to a product or product packaging by tape, mechanical
fastener, etc.
[0032] The present invention therefore also extends to a sticker or
label comprising a temperature monitor or monitoring system as
described above. The sticker or label may be rectangular and have a
largest dimension (i.e. length) of 10 cm or less, 8 cm or less or 6
cm or less. As discussed above, the display or displays on the
sticker or label may be square or rectangular and have a length of
6 cm or less, 5 cm or less, 4 cm or less or 3 cm or less.
[0033] Alternatively, if the packaging substrate is suitable, parts
of the temperature monitor may be printed directly onto the package
itself and the component features required to activate the display
may be added during the package production process, such as the
carton gluing process.
[0034] The present invention also extends to a method of
determining whether a product has been exposed to a temperature
outside of a desired range, the method comprising securing a
temperature monitor or monitoring system as described above to a
product (or set of products) and visually inspecting the display
state of the electronic paper display or displays.
[0035] The present invention also extends to a package comprising a
temperature monitor as described above (in any aspect or embodiment
thereof), wherein the temperature monitor is secured to a surface
of the package.
[0036] The package may, for example, be a carton or a box, which
may be made of cardboard.
[0037] The package may comprise a separate internal compartment
configured to receive the passive temperature sensor. The
compartment may be separate from any product receiving compartments
of the package.
[0038] Conductive tracks or wires may extend from the display,
secured to an outer surface of the package, to the passive
temperature sensor via a gap in the outer surface of the package.
The gap may be formed between two or more folded flaps of the
package.
[0039] The passive temperature sensor and display may be positioned
on separate stickers or labels, or alternatively a single
sticker/label may extend from the outer surface of the package to
the inner surface and/or the internal compartment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will now
be described by way of example only and with reference to FIGS. 1
to 4 of which:
[0041] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a temperature monitor in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of part of the temperature
monitor of FIG. 1 including a temperature sensor according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of part of the temperature
monitor of FIG. 1 including a temperature sensor according to
another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0044] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a temperature monitor in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] FIG. 1 shows a temperature monitor 10 comprising a sticker
(or label) 12. One corner 12a of the sticker 12 is upturned to show
the lower surface comprising an adhesive layer 13 for securing the
temperature monitor 10 to a product to be monitored.
[0046] The monitor 10 also comprises an electronic paper display 14
(e.g. an electrophoretic ink display) which is connected to a
passive temperature sensor 17 via a pair of conductors 18. The
display 14 is shown in a second display state having a message "TOO
COLD 0.degree. C." 16 in a darker color than the light background
15. The first display state (not shown) may comprise a blank screen
(i.e. only having the light background 15) or a different image
such as "OK".
[0047] Dotted lines 17a are used, for illustration purposes only,
to outline the portion of the monitor 10 shown in FIGS. 2 and
3.
[0048] FIG. 2 shows the portion of the monitor 10 of FIG. 1
comprising passive temperature sensor 17 and pair of conductors 18.
In this embodiment, the sensor 17 comprises a thermocouple 19 that
provides a potential difference to the display 14 when a
predetermined temperature (such as 0.degree. C.) is experienced.
The display 14 may contain an upper transparent electrode, a lower
electrode, a layer of electronic ink between the electrodes and an
associated electronic circuit (all not shown), as is known in the
art. As would be clear to a person skilled in the art, applying a
potential difference to the display 14 can activate the display 14
to change from a first display state (not shown) to the second
display state.
[0049] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment, where the passive
temperature sensor 17 comprises a bimetallic element or strip 31
and a piezoelectric element 30 electrically connected to the pair
of conductors 18. The sensor 17 is arranged such that when the
bimetallic strip 31 is exposed to the predetermined temperature
(such as 0.degree. C.), it will deform towards the piezoelectric
element 30 and impart a force thereto. This force causes the
piezoelectric element 30 to generate a potential difference across
the display 15. This, in turn activates the display 14 to change to
the second display state.
[0050] The bimetallic element or strip 31 may be far more elongated
than shown in FIG. 3, so that its free end is substantially spaced
from the piezoelectric element 30.
[0051] As discussed above, the sensor 17 may be positioned within a
package (not shown), while the display 14 may be secured to an
outer surface of the package. The display 14 and sensor 17 may be
positioned on the same or on two separate labels/stickers 12.
[0052] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment where the temperature
monitor 20 comprises a sticker 22 having two electronic paper
displays 24a, 24b, each connected to a temperature sensor 27a, 27b
via conductors 28. The displays 24a, 24b have different second
display states so that the first display 24a can indicate when a
"TOO COLD 0.degree. C." temperature has been experienced, while the
second display 24b can indicate when a "TOO HOT 8.degree. C."
temperature has been experienced. The temperature sensors 27a, 27b
can use either of the sensors shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and are
configured to produce a potential difference at different
predetermined temperatures (0.degree. C. and 8.degree. C.
respectively in this example).
* * * * *